Molecular imaging of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) research heavily relies on small animal models.
• High-resolution molecular imaging is essential for tracking AAA progression and inflammation in vivo.
• In vivo imaging reduces animal use and enables longitudinal studies for vessel expansion tracking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review established and emerging molecular imaging techniques for studying AAA disease.
• To highlight the role of imaging in quantifying inflammation and evaluating therapeutics.
• To discuss the translational potential of advanced imaging for human AAA management.

Main Methods:

• Review of established and emerging molecular imaging modalities.
• Inclusion of anatomical imaging techniques like ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT).
• Focus on molecular imaging techniques including magnetic resonance (MR), near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF), bioluminescence, SPECT, and PET.

Main Results:

• Development of multiple high-resolution molecular imaging modalities for AAA research.
• Demonstration of in vivo imaging's utility in tracking disease, quantifying inflammation, and assessing therapeutics.
• Application of various imaging techniques in mouse and rat AAA models.

Conclusions:

• Molecular imaging techniques are vital for advancing AAA research in preclinical models.
• Advanced imaging methods offer insights into AAA mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
• Successful translation of these techniques could improve human AAA management and treatment evaluation.